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Walter Hedlund is a true American hero

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
12/14/2012 06:36:06 AM EST

After reading The Sun's story on Walter Hedlund from Chelmsford (Sunday, Nov. 25), I've done research on his military record.

I have read the citations and orders for his Silver Star and two Bronze Stars. Walter R. Hedlund was born in Lowell and entered the U.S. Army as a private on May 1, 1942. He was sent to 1 Company, 3rd Battalion, 115th Infantry of the 29th Infantry Division.

While stationed with his unit in the United Kingdom, he completed Ranger training with the British commandos at a secret base in Scotland. He was then allowed to wear the Ranger tab of the 29th Infantry patch. After Ranger training he was promoted to sergeant and 20 days later he was promoted to technical sergeant.

In June, 1944, Tech. Sgt. Hedlund landed with his unit on Omaha Beach on the Normandy coast. In July and August, Hedlund was wounded three times. On Aug. 29, 1944 in the Battle of Brest, France, Hedlund was wounded and sent to a hospital in the United Kingdom. He was granted a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant.

According to the book From the Beachhead to Brittany by Joseph Balkoski, Hedlund was put in for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Sadly, the major general of the 29th Division did not believe in giving out the Medal of Honor. The award was downgraded to the Silver Star for his action on Hill 21, outside of Brest.

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